solvents

Liquid substances which, to a greater or lesser
degree, are capable of dissolving or dispersing
other substances. In addition to water (the
so-called universal solvent), acetone, ethyl
alcohol, normal and isopropyl alcohols, ethylene
glycol, naphtha, carbon tetrachloride, carbon
disulfide, many esters, etc., are used as
solvents. The fact that water is neither flammable
nor toxic makes it a very valuable solvent;
unfortunately, its adverse effect on some inks,
colors, etc., makes the use of other solvents
necessary at times.